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Month: January 2016

Follow These Tips to Create Easy-to-Use Websites

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Today’s market is filled with tablets, smartphones, desktops, and laptops. To diversify matters even further, the screen sizes and touch systems used in these devices can vary greatly. To ensure that websites are appealing and usable by most internet users, web designers in San Diego should aim to create responsive templates and tools.

Keep Content in Mind

When people are consulting with designers about templates and layout, they hardly ever think about the content that will be hosted on their website. The kind of content on your website can make or break your design. For example, if you have a design that is optimized for short articles and you post long articles with large photographs, your site will look uninviting and confusing. Although you may have good content, your readers will flee because of the poor presentation.

Focus on Performance Standards

According to recent studies, 40 percent of internet users will wait no longer than three seconds for a webpage to load. To make sure that you do not lose these potential visitors, you should optimize the performance standards of your website. Large image files often cause poor performance for websites, so you should use tools like TinyPNG to reduce the size of your files. If a large percentage of your readers use mobile devices, you may also benefit from eliminating large and unnecessary images.

Simplify Navigation

One of the largest design problems that mobile users experience is tiny buttons. These buttons are often cramped closely together with others, so users often accidentally click buttons for other webpages. Be sure to make buttons and hyperlinked text large enough to click on with large fingers. Many mobile websites also use static navigation menus that occupy valuable space. To eliminate this problem, you can implement a drop-down or off-campus menu. These allow you to maximize limited screen space by hiding navigation tools until they are needed.

Design with Basic HTML

By using basic HTML and periodically checking your results in a browser, you’ll know the strengths and weaknesses of your website before it is finished. This will also allow you to test certain features with a range of devices. Instead of evaluating the finished product, you’ll be able to check out every feature of your website until it meets your expectations. If you design webpages on a regular basis, you may also wish to create a pattern library. A pattern library is like a template, but it is used for specific features of a website. For example, your pattern library may include HTML and CSS codes for a photo gallery. These patterns can later be altered for your specific needs.

You can create a responsive website by keeping matters simple and considering the needs of your readers. If you need help revamping your current site or designing a new one, reach out to Saba SEO at (858) 277-1717. We’re a trusted SEO agency in San Diego that specializes in online marketing, social media, and web design and development. Call today and request a free audit!

 

Reddit Is a Treasure Trove of Marketing Ideas and Resources

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Reddit is one of the largest social media sites on the internet. Unlike Facebook, Twitter, and other mainstream social media sites, Reddit is a community-oriented platform that does not tolerate junk content. Because of this, Reddit is an excellent place for internet marketers to find fresh content ideas or to research consumers.

Use Reddit to Find New Content Ideas

Reddit is divided into thousands of niche communities called subreddits. These communities are focused on nearly every hobby, sport, and idea that exists. Millions of people go to subreddits to share their most recent discoveries and creations. For example, a computer enthusiast may go to the subreddit/r/buildapc to share their most recent rig modifications. If the information shared by a subreddit user is interesting or revolutionary, content writers for computer sites may benefit from incorporating it into an article.

Research Consumer Preferences with Subreddits

If your website is oriented around a specific industry or niche, you can go to subreddits to figure out the preferences of your audience. You can do this by reading posts, but a more effective method is to become actively involved in a subreddit. When you do this, you must avoid sales tactics and marketing at all costs. Users of Reddit tend to react very negatively to people who share advertisements instead of valuable content. Like most people on the internet, Reddit users want to be informed or entertained. Share images and posts that are insightful, funny, or entertaining. Like your SEO articles, these posts should be original and related to your niche. You can monitor the responses to these posts to learn more about your potential readers. This information can be used to improve your website’s articles and advertisements on other platforms.

Reddit is a valuable tool that can help online marketers create fresh content that truly engages readers. Discover other ways to improve your marketing strategy with help from Saba SEO in San Diego. We are locally owned and operated and specialize in AdWords management, SEO, and social media. Give us a call at (858) 277-1717 today!

 

SEO Tips for Websites

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The success of search engines and our reliance on them as product and content consumers has cemented the need for even well-established websites to employ search engine optimization techniques. As such, here are some that you should be using:

1. Never, under any circumstances, should a website manager consider their website finished. This common misconception leaves well-established websites vulnerable to losing page position. To prevent this from happening, always continue to add value and improvements to the website.

2. Go directly to the search engines for updates on technical advice. While some established websites may assume they’ve mastered optimization, the art of SEO is always evolving. Make sure to check in with Google’s Webmaster Guidelines and Webmaster Help Videos to stay up to date on the best techniques and strategies.

3. Word choice is critical. Established sites should make sure the words it uses are the absolute most relevant and effective. SEO enables web managers to pull off an array of tricks but at the end of the day, sites cannot be misleading or their page rank and traffic will surely suffer.

4. Makes sure to clean house frequently. While having a significant amount of engaging and relevant content and links are a positive, established websites should make sure to prune content regularly. Getting rid of outdated or defunct information helps keep websites relevant and interesting.

5. An established website should be optimized for mobile users. It is clear that product and content consumers are moving to smaller, more mobile screens for their needs. Web managers need to make sure their website is able to make the size transition with consumers to provide a satisfying user experience and increase the number of return visitors.

Regardless of where a website is, digital curators need to stay up to date with evolving SEO practices. For some companies, this is easier said than done, especially when resources are tight. If you could use a little help stepping up your SEO game, reach out to Saba SEO, a trusted internet marketing company in San Diego. Give us a call today at (858) 277-1717 and receive a complimentary website audit!

A Peak into Google’s Search Quality Guidelines

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A few months back, Google released its search quality guidelines, allowing users, website owners, and those interested in the mechanics of SEO to further explore the concepts of a quality search.

The mission of the quality guidelines released by Google last November is to provide transparency and give marketers and webmasters the power to examine the quality of search results. The company recognized that most users are looking for instant access to relevant information while on the go, and this document will help marketing professionals better identify and cater to the needs to consumers.

Highlights

Google discloses characteristics of a high-quality page, such as content that is trustworthy and based on the expertise of those who have created the website. It also aims to help SEOs and San Diego online marketing pros understand the landscape of mobile searches, including user location, task location, and the intent of the user. Google advises against things like that contribute to a low-quality page, like pages without purpose, deceptive pages, and websites that have been abandoned.

Benefits

The release by Google will help SEOs everywhere in their quest to improve visibility online. These guidelines serve as a check list and monitoring tool that can be used to regularly evaluate and update information on the website. While we are still waiting for Google Quality Guidelines to leak (we can hope, can’t we?), in the meantime, the document gives businesses a chance to improve their SEO efforts and hopefully get a boost in SERPs.

Managing and regularly updating SEO practices can be challenging for businesses, particularly those without a designated in-office resource. Rather than adding another thing to your plate, let Saba SEO help. We’re a trusted SEO company in San Diego with a portfolio that speaks for itself. Give us a call at (858) 277-1717 and request a free website analysis.

Resolve for Better SEO in 2016

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2015 was full of SEO updates and algorithm changes, so the world of online marketing has certainly changed in a year. Because of this, 2016 offers excellent opportunities for business owners to optimize their websites and expand their readerships.

1. Write Specific Content

After Google’s various quality updates, generic content simply won’t produce the SEO results that they’re looking for. To achieve high global and local SEO ranking, content must be unique and appealing to consumers. Google determines this factor of appeal by calculating data from inbound links, visits, and other areas. To make this data more favorable, create highly specific content that explores topics that are not widely discussed. Providing industry insights, commentary, entertainment, and helpful tips are excellent ways to increase a website’s Google rank.

2. Target a Geographical Location

During 2016, the number of mobile devices users will continue to increase. Since many consumers search for products and stores when they are away from home, companies can benefit from writing articles that target their city or region. To optimize articles for local SEO, writers should include a geographic location and a keyword in the titles of articles. The location and keyword can also be placed into the body of text, but take special care to prevent keyword stuffing.

3. Use Proper Heading Tags

After all of the most recent updates, HTML heading tags are still important for SEO efforts. Make sure all articles use the H1 tag. When relevant, the H2 and H3 tags should also be used. Google rewards properly formatted websites with rank promotions.

4. Eliminate Duplicated or Poor Content

For SEO purposes, quantity is not better than quality. When the much-anticipated Penguin 4.0 update occurs, Google will certainly penalize all websites that host duplicated or poor content. Audit articles on the company website to ensure that they’re SEO-friendly and engaging to readers. In addition to SEO benefits, deleting unoriginal content will increase website credibility.

5. Engage Readers and the Media

The black hat SEO practices of buying inbound links or otherwise manipulating search engines will no longer work. Utilize all available resources to attract readers and earn genuine links. One of the most effective ways to build credible links is to send press releases to media companies and engage social media followers. By sharing articles and answering questions in the public realms of Facebook and Twitter, you can build your brand and earn real links from real consumers.

2016 will be a year full of changes. By using trusted methods and keeping up with changes, you can improve your SEO efforts and earn massive profits. With three weeks of the New Year already gone by, there’s no time like the present to make sure you’re ready for the rest of 2016. Give Saba SEO a call at (858) 277-1717 and find the help you need to get your website in tiptop shape.

 

What Would Happen to the Marketing World If SEO Disappeared?

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Search engine optimization is the engine driving Internet commerce. Whether you know it or not, your favorite content creator or funny website would be nothing without SEO! Below are just a few of the important reasons why search engine optimization should be number one on your marketing to-do list.

Without search engine optimization, how would you find anything?

The answer is that you wouldn’t find anything at all! How can you market to an audience if there is no standard in place that helps your audience find your product? Street addresses make it possible to market a store in the physical world, and without them, no one would ever find the store. In the same way, search engine optimization creates order in the online landscape, giving online marketers a standard they can trust.

Content makes no money by itself!

Believe it or not, your favorite content creator likely does not make money from the website he or she performs on. That money likely comes from advertisers that the website attracts. Without search engine optimization, advertisers wouldn’t know what websites to target.

Spammers ruled the internet not too long ago!

If you were around in the early days of the commercial internet, everyone had problems selling. The major search engines were just getting together their search engine optimization standards, and underhanded marketers took full advantage of the new landscape. People would get their websites into searches through dirty marketing techniques, and often the website would have nothing to do with what the person was actually searching for. If SEO disappeared, spammers would take over once more.

The importance of SEO in marketing cannot be overstated. Proper search engine optimization bookmarks your content so that the right people can easily find it. Make sure SEO is a priority, and don’t forget to stay current on best practices.

If you think your website could use a face lift, reach out to Saba SEO. We’re the internet marketing company San Diego businesses trust and can help you get your website in tip-top SEO shape. Give us a call at (858) 277-1717 and request a complimentary website audit today!

 

What Is Social Engineering?

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While you may not realize it, chances are you’ve already experienced some form of social engineering. In a cyber context, social engineering is the art of manipulating online users to divulge private information, such as a username and password.

While hackers employ various strategies, social engineering is often accomplished using something like a standard online verification process or through a similarly unsuspecting method. Fortunately, given the largely non-technical nature of this form of deception, hackers’ success hinges on users’ decision making. By understanding what social engineering is, who is at risk, and how it is typically attempted, you can better defend your information from this evolving threat.

Given that an increasing amount of business and daily life activities rely on digital services, systems, and information, it is important to understand the many forms of social engineering. These attacks can come via email, web browser, or a program users trust. A common approach, termed phishing, involves, for example, a hacker sending an email that explains a fabricated problem, which requires the recipient to verify their personal information to resolve. This type of scam often also includes a warning of what will happen if the user fails to act quickly, thereby encouraging them to do so without thinking. Another frequently used scheme, called baiting, is often seen on peer-to-peer platforms and usually involves enticing users to, for instance, download a popular movie, and in doing so gives hackers access to their information.

While these threats and mechanisms are ubiquitous, online marketing agencies in San Diego point out that users are still in control when it comes to social engineering. To avoid sharing sensitive information, simply slow down, research the information provided in suspicious emails or messages, and delete or reject any unsolicited messages offering help or requesting personal information. As the internet of things evolves, make sure that you evolve with it.

Saba, Inc. is a trusted name in online marketing and specializes in SEO, social media, PPC, and website design and development. Reach out today by calling (858) 277-1717 to learn more or request a complimentary website audit.

Developing Defined Digital Marketing Goals

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Digital marketing is an excellent way to spread your brand to many consumers and increase profits. Before you start your marketing campaign, however, you should establish clear goals. This will save you time and money as you make decisions about your online marketing efforts.

Test Your Website

Over the past few years, search engine algorithms have changed rapidly. Because of this, many trusted SEO standards have become outdated and irrelevant. New rules have also been introduced. To ensure your website will continue to rank highly, you should evaluate your current SEO practices. This should be one of your first goals. If you can determine the strengths and weaknesses of your website, you’ll be able to develop a strategy for success.

Audit All Content

The old-school method of lacing articles with keywords is no longer effective. Instead, you must now rely on a natural growth of inbound links through other bloggers and social media users. To do this, your articles must be unique and useful. Google now penalizes sites that host duplicated content. When you audit your content, you should make sure that the information offers an original idea or a creative spin of an old one. Webmasters should also ensure that articles utilize all of the relevant HTML tags.

Expand Your Brand

One of the best ways to increase sales is to establish a mental connection between your company and the products that you sell. Nike is a company that has succeeded in connecting their brand with a specific product. Whenever people think about buying running shoes or basketball shoes, Nike is one of the first companies that comes to their minds. To expand your brand, take full advantage of social media marketing to promote your logo and attach it to a specific product. As your company gains traction, you can start to incorporate other products or services as well.

Increase Consumer Interaction

Most markets are saturated with companies that sell the same kinds of goods. In many cases, you won’t be able to convince consumers that your products are better than your competitor’s products. Fortunately, you can connect with consumers on a personal level to persuade them to purchase your goods and services. Use social media and surveys to learn what matters to your consumers. If you find a trend, you may want to incorporate it into your marketing efforts. Consumers appreciate companies who put forth the effort to directly communicate with them. Instead of using form letters and automated messages, you can respond to consumer concerns on social media. Facebook comments are an excellent way to show consumers that you care about them. Since Facebook comments are public, this may also increase your brand recognition.

Bolster Weak Areas and Reduce Costs

Most webmasters are very busy. Since time is limited, you should determine the strongest and weakest aspects of your website. If your social media marketing efforts are already fruitful, you should concentrate your efforts on other aspects of your business. To maximize the effects of your work, you need to make sure that you aren’t wasting time and energy on areas that are producing results. If it’s not broken, don’t try to fix it.

You should also analyze your marketing statistics on a regular basis to determine which strategies and keywords are not working to your satisfaction. Your company will certainly benefit from regular cost-benefit analyses. If you could use help creating and achieving defined marketing goals, give us a call at (858) 277-1717. We’re a trusted internet marketing company in San Diego and can help you develop your brand, further your marketing goals, and connect with your audience. Reach out today, we look forward to hearing from you!

Is It Time to Find a New SEO Agency?

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If you’re like many busy business people, you may have hired an SEO agency to attract visitors to your website. While there are some truly great SEO agencies in San Diego available for hire, many companies are unqualified to help you. Be sure to check your SEO agency for these red flags.

They Aim for High Global Rank

Many SEO agencies simply aim for achieving a high global rank on Google and other search engines. Unless your company is a massive transnational corporation, this won’t benefit you. For example, if you own a hair salon in San Diego, the fact that people in Burma can find your web content will not increase your sales. Your company would benefit from an SEO agency that will help you build a strong local SEO ranking. Be sure to ask your current (and future) SEO agency about their local SEO strategies before continuing.

They Don’t Customize Their Strategies

Websites are nearly as diverse as people. Because of this, internet marketing companies in San Diego cannot use a single strategy for numerous websites and expect optimal results. If your SEO agency offers standardized packages that call for rapid link building and formatting changes, then it’s time to look for a new company.

They Don’t Write Engaging Content

The old methods of link building and keyword placement are no longer effective ways to achieve a high SEO rank. Agencies that still use these outdated methods should be left behind. Google and other search engines now reward websites that have content that readers appreciate and enjoy. This SEO-friendly content is often written in a manner that is either entertaining or useful. This will cause a natural growth of inbound links from social media sites and blogs.

Be on the lookout for these common SEO flaws to decide whether or not your current SEO agency is right for you. If you’re thinking of switching to a new agency or are looking for one that will truly take the time to understand your brand, reach out to Saba, Inc. at (858) 277-1717. In addition to SEO, we also offer social media and PPC management in San Diego. Give us a call today—we look forward to hearing from you!

Bad SEO Practices That Do More Harm Than Good

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Search engine optimization is essential for building a robust business, especially if the majority of your market is selling products or services online. This, however, does not mean that all SEO is guaranteed to be good for your business. The wrong tactics and a number of common oversights could cause SEO to harm–rather than help–your growing organization.

Overlooking the Need for Reputation Management

When SEO works like it should, it is guaranteed to garner more traffic and attention for your business. Unfortunately, this attention can be both positive and negative. Consumers currently have a tremendous amount of power when it comes to shaping online opinions and thus, visible companies have to take a proactive stance on protecting their commercial images. Being proactive about reputation management is far better than simply issuing reactive responses to unexpected and even unwarranted attacks. When you work with a full-service SEO firm in San Diego, your provider will work diligently to ensure that your company image is virtually impervious to negative online attention.

Using “Set-It-and-Forget-It” SEO Solutions

SEO is an ongoing and ever-evolving process, especially when it’s done right. It is meant to remain in a near-constant state of flux given the way in which the web is being accessed and used is constantly evolving and changing. If you aren’t regularly investing time and energy into devising and implementing strategies that are relevant to the latest technical developments, SEO is probably causing more harm than good. Your on-site content must expand and evolve and link-building strategies should change each time algorithm updates are made or the related link-building platforms go down. In addition to establishing new, organic links from time to time, you also have to make regular efforts to clean up your existing link profile by disavowing dead links and making other necessary omissions.

Outdated Optimization Methods

There was a time when keywords were all the rage. Sadly, however, overuse of key terms have made major search engines far more stringent concerning how these optimization tools are used. Many companies that are still managing their own SEO in-house have not fully recognized the dramatic changes that have and continue to occur in this area. If you’re still structuring your SEO around keywords alone, these efforts are definitely harming your business and its online presence. With everyone taking a much greater focus on providing web users with optimal value, you must push your business to source or create truly informative content, rather than making keyword density a top priority.

Technical Problems

Having a reputable San Diego online marketing agency manage these efforts is often the best way to identify and resolve technical issues that might otherwise go overlooked. Making sure that pages are properly coded is vital for achieving an optimal level of overall site fitness and for ensuring your pages are quick to load. Optimization experts can also make sure that all of your pages are both accessible and viable on a variety of viewing devices. Companies who have websites that are not smartphone and tablet-friendly are likely getting knocked by Google. Moreover, these are two areas in which negligence or oversight can prevent you from ever achieving a desirable page rank.

Need to get your SEO up to speed? We can help. At Saba, Inc., we stay up to date on the latest SEO practices so you don’t have to. To learn more or request a free website analysis give us a call at (858) 277-1717. We look forward to chatting!

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